Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Nine fishermen from Andhra Pradesh, who had been languishing in a Bangladesh jail for nearly four months, returned safely to Visakhapatnam on Monday, bringing immense relief and joy to their anxious families. Emotional scenes unfolded at the Visakhapatnam fishing harbor as the fishermen reunited with their loved ones. Family members, who had endured months of uncertainty, broke down in tears of happiness while embracing them, marking the end of a long and painful wait. The fishermen had ventured into the Bay of Bengal for routine fishing in October last year. However, due to navigational error, they accidentally crossed into Bangladesh territorial waters, where they were detained by the Bangladesh Navy. Since then, they had remained in custody in a Bangladesh prison.

Their release became possible following sustained diplomatic efforts by the Government of India. On January 29, the Bangladesh Coast Guard formally handed over the nine Andhra fishermen to the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line. From there, they were brought to the Visakhapatnam harbor and subsequently handed over to marine police authorities.

The repatriation took place as part of a reciprocal agreement between India and Bangladesh. Under this arrangement, Bangladesh released 23 Indian fishermen, including 9 from Andhra Pradesh and 14 from West Bengal, along with two fishing boats. In return, India handed over 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five boats that had been in Indian custody.

Among those repatriated by India were 13 Bangladeshi fishermen who had drifted to the Srikakulam coast in November after running out of fuel. As per directions from the Visakhapatnam District Collector, they were provided with new clothes and basic necessities before being sent back in an Indian Navy vessel to the maritime border. Expressing gratitude after returning home, the Andhra fishermen thanked both the Central and State governments for securing their release and ensuring their safe return. Their families also acknowledged the efforts of officials and agencies involved in the process. Andhra Pradesh Mechanized Fishing Boats Union president Vasupalli Janakiram conveyed special thanks to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for his timely intervention and diplomatic support that helped bring the fishermen back home safely.